Things To Do
in Toshima
Toshima is one of Tokyo's 23 special wards centered on the bustling Ikebukuro district, known for its big station, shopping arcades, and anime/manga culture. The ward mixes high-rise commercial areas (Sunshine City) with quieter residential neighborhoods, historic temples, and compact green pockets. It's a lively hub for youth culture, themed cafés, and entertainment while also serving as a gateway to quieter day trips into western Tokyo.
Visitors get a taste of metropolitan energy without the extreme crowds and scale of Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day in Toshima by visiting the historic Ikebukuro area, where you can explore the beautiful streets lined with traditional Japanese architecture. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh pastries and traditional tea. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll to the iconic Sunshine City, where you can admire the blend of modern and traditional structures.
In the afternoon, visit the ancient Toshimaen Amusement Park, where you can indulge in thrilling rides and fun games. Take a break for lunch at one of the park’s themed restaurants, savoring delicious Japanese cuisine. Afterward, explore the lush gardens surrounding the park, providing a serene escape from the excitement.
As night falls, head to Ikebukuro’s vibrant entertainment district, where neon lights illuminate the bustling streets. Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere while tasting various small plates. Wrap up your evening by visiting a karaoke bar, where you can sing your heart out with friends or locals.
Begin your day with a serene visit to the historic Kōenji Temple, immersing yourself in its tranquil atmosphere as you admire intricate carvings and peaceful gardens. Participate in a morning meditation session led by a resident monk, allowing you to connect deeply with the spiritual ambiance. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, learning about its significance and methods.
In the afternoon, make your way to the Rikkyo University campus, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful landscapes. Explore the university’s art museum, which showcases contemporary and traditional Japanese art pieces. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, where you can chat with local students and soak in the academic vibe.
As dusk approaches, visit the nearby Yanaka district, famous for its preserved historical buildings and charming streets. Stroll among local shops and galleries, discovering unique handicrafts and art. Conclude the day with a traditional kaiseki dinner, indulging in multiple exquisite courses that highlight seasonal ingredients.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee / café drink | $3-6 |
| 🚆Local train ride (short) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Taxi start (short ride) | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent public transport connections and central location (Ikebukuro hub).
- Vibrant pop-culture scene with themed cafés and anime/manga shops.
- Good mix of metropolitan amenities and quieter residential neighborhoods.
- Numerous shopping options and convenient depachika food halls.
- Can be crowded around stations and main commercial streets.
- Fewer high-end dining and nightlife options compared with Shinjuku/Shibuya.
- Some neighborhoods may feel fragmented—limited large green spaces within the ward itself.
- Language can be a barrier in smaller shops and clinics; English is not guaranteed.
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the restroom?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "ベジタリアンです" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Toshima
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over Tokyo from one of Ikebukuro’s tallest buildings — great for sunrise, daytime cityscapes, and sunset shots.
Unique rooftop aquarium and illuminated urban spaces provide creative compositions blending nature and city architecture.
Urban park framed by modern architecture — good for street photography and candid shots of local life.
Colorful storefronts, signage, and themed displays make for vibrant, character-filled photography focusing on contemporary pop culture.
A quieter, traditional temple that contrasts well with Ikebukuro’s high-energy scenes — great for cultural and architectural shots.
Food in Toshima
Toshima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rich pork-broth (tonkotsu) and soy-based shoyu ramen are local visitor favorites — try popular shops near Ikebukuro Station such as Mutekiya for a hearty bowl.
Must-Try!
Grilled skewers (yakitori), karaage (fried chicken), and seasonal vegetable dishes are common in neighborhood izakayas—perfect for sharing over drinks.
Sugamo’s shopping streets offer traditional sweets and snacks popular with older locals, ideal when exploring the ward’s cultural pockets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The basement food halls at Ikebukuro’s department stores offer an impressive array of prepared foods, bento, pastries, and regional specialties to sample or take away.
Neighborhood shotengai around Zoshigaya and Sugamo feature small vendors and street snacks—try taiyaki, dango, and local confectionery.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep voices low on trains and in public spaces; phone calls on crowded trains are discouraged. Respect personal space and queuing customs.
Remove shoes when entering certain traditional ryokan, temples, and some restaurants — look for a shoe rack or follow signage.
Politeness matters—use greetings like 'こんにちは' and express thanks. A small bow or polite phrase is appreciated in shops and restaurants.
Public bins are scarce. Carry your trash until you find appropriate recycling containers and separate combustible and non-combustible waste where required.
Safety
Tipping in Toshima
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; it can cause confusion. Excellent service is expected and included in the price — express thanks instead of leaving a tip.
Cash (yen) remains widely used for small shops and restaurants. IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) are extremely convenient for trains, buses, convenience stores, and many shops. Credit cards are accepted at department stores and many restaurants, but always carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossom season (late March–early April) brings crowds to city parks and nearby viewing spots; mild temperatures make walking comfortable. Reserve weekend plans in advance as popular areas get busy.
Hot and humid with a rainy season in early summer (June). Late summer can have occasional typhoons; carry water, sun protection and expect lively summer festivals and night events.
Pleasant cooler weather and colorful foliage later in the season make it ideal for walking around parks and neighborhood strolls — fewer tourists than spring.
Winters are generally mild and dry with rare snow; evenings can be chilly so layers are useful. Seasonal illuminations and festive displays appear in shopping areas.
Toshima at Night
Hiking in Toshima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular and accessible day-hike west of central Tokyo with well-maintained trails, scenic views, and a cable car for shorter routes. About 60–90 minutes by train from Ikebukuro plus local transfer.
Offers wooded trails, a mountain shrine, and nature-rich routes—ideal for a full-day outing from Tokyo and reachable by train and cable car in around 2 hours.
A network of trails in western Tokyo with river valleys, ridgelines, and longer trekking options for more experienced hikers; typically 1.5–2+ hours travel from Ikebukuro by train.
Airports
How to reach Toshima by plane.
Tokyo’s closer international airport (domestic and international flights). Accessible to Toshima via train and monorail + JR/metro connections in about 45–60 minutes depending on route and time of day.
Main international airport serving Tokyo. Travel to Toshima typically takes around 60–90 minutes by Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner to central Tokyo and then a short transfer to Ikebukuro by JR or subway.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ikebukuro draws many young adults for shopping, entertainment, and education; cosplay and anime fans are highly visible in certain districts.
Residential neighborhoods house families and long-term residents who use local parks, clinics, and community services.
Areas like Sugamo are popular with older generations and offer goods and services catering to seniors (traditional sweets, clothing).
Tourists and international residents frequent the ward for its cultural attractions, shopping, and transport links to other parts of Tokyo.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is hugely popular across Tokyo; many locals follow professional teams (e.g., Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Tokyo).
J.League soccer enjoys a strong following, with fans attending matches across Tokyo metropolitan stadiums.
Basketball (B.League) has been growing in popularity, and community courts and gyms are common for casual play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toshima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, some soba/udon), but many broths use fish or meat (dashi). Ask staff using the phrase 'vegetarian desu' and check for 'dashi' (fish stock). International and vegetarian-friendly cafés and specialty restaurants are increasingly available around Ikebukuro.
Vegan-specific restaurants are limited; plan ahead, look for vegan-labeled cafés or vegetarian restaurants, and consider convenience-store salads and onigiri (check ingredients).
Halal options are limited but can be found at select restaurants; gluten-free is a challenge due to soy sauce and wheat in many dishes—contact eateries in advance if you have strict restrictions.